30 minute read
Sisters in Arms
The bond that is much more than social media
By Judith Martin
What does a pair of old Army boots with pink laces have to do with military camaraderie?
The pink-splashed boots which can be seen emblazoned on coffee cups, hoodies and other items are the symbol of Sisters In Arms (SIA), a rapidly growing group of past and serving female members of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army.
SIA is much more than just a Facebook group followed by women who want to have their say. It’s about renewing friendships often formed many years ago in the depths of a Waiouru winter, offering help where it is needed, keeping in touch, and like-minded women offering a friendly ear to others who need it.
It is also the medium for strident debate where opinions become polarised and moderators step in.
Former Staff Sergeant Maureen Duffy served 15 years in the New Zealand Army before going on to have an extensive career in civilian logistics in countries such as Kosovo, Bosnia and Chad.
“Five years ago I suffered a huge family tragedy and didn’t work for seven months. I had counselling and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I then found the SIA site.
“I joined out of curiosity but have found it to be the most positive and supportive experience. I have reconnected with SIAs and am currently planning a holiday to Rarotonga, with an SIA sister who I joined the Army with. We will be staying with another SIA sister while we are there.
“In some ways you can say that due to our backgrounds, and what we have shared while in the Army, there is a level of good friendship, loyalty, trust, and camaraderie. The SIA site is helping us to reconnect, share experiences and to support each other. When people ask me what I miss about the Army it is always – I miss the people.”
The SIA site was started about three years ago by the late Aroha Bentson who wanted to connect past and present Army women.
Artist, former soldier and now Reservist Kirsty Meynell designed and painted the pink-laced boots branding.
“Everyone who has served knows how special the friendships made while in the service are. We experience things that go far beyond that in a civilian working relationship and those bonds last a lifetime.
“In 2020 I noticed that there was something missing for the women… when we leave the military we lose that identity because we hand back uniforms and insignia that show what we had achieved. I thought we needed something to bring back that feeling of pride and belonging. I had recently taken up art as a form of therapy after a demanding Afghanistan tour and decided to design a brand/crest that would unify us all as women who had served.
“The creation of the brand had so many benefits we hadn’t even considered: Pride! The women once again feel that pride and belonging when they wear the brand. They feel supported and part of something powerful. It has also connected people in situations where they never would have met had it not been for the brand.” The brand has now been trademarked to ensure it is protected for years to come.
Not only has the brand connected people all over the world, it has also created a small koha fund through internal donations from SIA that have provided small gifts for past and serving Army women in need.
“The koha fund came about when women would add an extra $5 in the payment for a beer. I don’t drink so thought we could use these donations to pay it forward. The koha fund is managed by three “fairy godmothers” for transparency. Aileen Tough-Wright, Tania Good and I keep in regular contact to make sure we are aware of any SIA doing it tough. The koha fund has provided cards and pins for recently deceased SIA families, pins for ex WRACS in rest homes; gift packs through Te Kainga Creative (another veteran SIA business run by Julia Fortune), and SIA merchandise. The powerful thing with the koha fund is the recipients don’t even know someone has nominated them until they get a sprinkle of fairy dust – it really lifts them up just to know someone cares and is thinking of them.” Other ventures on the page have included SIA luncheons, a Q Store for sales or donations of items, CV writing assistance, RSA and VA links and mentoring.
“We see the SIA network as a way to support all our women past, present and future and strive to ensure they are always lifting each other up and helping each other to succeed,” says Kirsty.
The SIA Facebook page now has more than 1,300 members.
Visit artbykirst.co.nz or Te Kainga Creative.
– Former Staff Sergeant
Maureen Duffy
WORKING ON CORE SKILLS
By Charlene Williamson
Keeping up core soldier skills between Op Protect rotations has been a focus for Alpha Company, 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment recently.
During this section level training soldiers worked on a number of skills which help to maintain their individual deployability.
Officer Commanding Alpha Company Major (MAJ) Jimmy Martin said the training focused on the core soldier skills of move and communicate.
“Section training is designed to revise the fundamental skills of section battle procedure, across a variety of tasks.”
These tasks help to develop commanders’ critical thinking and decision making, and included dismounted patrolling, mounted patrolling with light vehicles, including small boats, and a variety of communication and decision making.
“The battle-handling exercises were primarily designed to assess commanders’ critical thinking.
“This has been in recognition of the limited training time we have had over the last 12 months and our desire to focus on section-level battle procedures across a wide variety of tasks,” MAJ Martin said. MAJ Martin said keeping training close to their home base of Burnham was a conscious decision.
“Op Protect has taken soldiers away from their home and families for long periods of time, in a role which is different from their usual training outputs and priorities.
“We deliberately planned all our exercises so that they could be done in Burnham utilising local resources, like the newly constructed Bamyan Building in camp.”
He said they also wanted to provide an enjoyable variety of training and expose soldiers to some assets they will work with in the future.
OPERATION PROTECT UPDATE
As at 9 July there are 1,121 NZDF personnel committed to Operation Protect, the response to Covid-19. This includes deployed personnel, those preparing to deploy, and those in respite following deployment.
On Monday 12 July HMNZS Wellington sailed for Tokelau and the Northern Cook Islands carrying enough doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines for the eligible population of Tokelau and Palmerston Island. The Offshore Patrol Vessel and her 76 crew are covering 5,000 nautical miles in a logistically challenging operation to deliver the vaccines on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
What soldiers say
“The days can be long and the nights even longer. This is the life of a New Zealand soldier on Op Protect. Seeing guests from all walks of life and the appreciation they have for our work can give us a sense of purpose. Watching the news cycle daily and seeing the rampant continued rise of Covid-19 sweep through the world puts into perspective how important the operation is. We can still visit malls, festivals and sporting events while the rest of the world still struggles to contain the pandemic.” – LCPL Tom Harbrow
“Upon my graduation from Recruit Territorial Force 165 I was eager to join the national effort against Covid-19 and although differing from the traditional role of a soldier, I put my name forward to my Chain of Command. Day-to-day life in the MIQF mainly consists of tasks working with the New Zealand Police, civilian security agencies, and permanent hotel staff to provide internal and perimeter security of the premises, helping hotel guests, timetables and travel itineraries and health order compliance in general.” – PTE Adriana Hunt
“A welcome surprise was when each of the NZDF team was given a small care package from the Selwyn District, containing a tasty assortment of baked treats along with a beautiful handmade poppy that was knitted for each pack. For only my second Anzac Day spent in the Army, it was certainly a unique experience spending it in a MIQF site. I felt this made it special and will be something that in the future I’d be willing to mention to those who ask what I did during my time spent in the MIQF hotels.” – SIG Blair Mathieson
And from an airman
“Op Protect gives our people the ability to make a difference, to assist New Zealand in keep Covid-19 at the border. To date, our people have assisted more than 141,000 Kiwis return home safely through the MIQ system, many of whom have shared their gratitude and admiration for what the NZDF personnel have done.” – Group Captain Glenn Gowthorpe,
Commander Joint Task Force,
Operation Protect
Lance Corporals Jaison Ngatai and Michael Ushaw of 5/7 Battalion at the Bay Plaza MIF in Wellington with some of the many notes of thanks received from the public.
Captain Michael Witty with treats made by Dellwyn Moylan.
In brief
• WO1 Jason Rapana has been appointed Warrant
Officer, People Capability
Portfolio (PCP). PCP’s purpose is to enhance the operational capability of
NZDF by drawing together all of the functions that enables it to manage its people as a key strategic resource. Throughout his 30-plus years of service WO1 Rapana has held a number of
Command Warrant Officer appointments, including
RSM 2/1 RNZIR, RSM
LOTC and is currently
Command Sergeant Major of TRADOC (NZ). He will assume the role of WO
PCP in August 2021. • The office of Christchurch
Crown Solicitor Raymond
Donnelly and Co has been chosen by the Minister of
Defence as the Reservist
Employer of the Year. The firm was nominated by
Second Lieutenant John
Whitcombe
Each year the Minister of Defence formally recognises a selected
Employer of Reserve Force personnel that has been identified as providing commendable support to their employee and the
NZDF through a range of means.
This year’s Reservist
Employer Nominees came from across the spectrum of private sector, academia, local and central government.
Other awards:
Recreation Aotearoa
Reservist Employer of the Year – Runner Up (nominated by Corporal
Sam Newton)
KPMG Reservist Employer of the Year – Third equal (nominated by Major Erin Sampson)
KiwiRail Reservist Employer of the Year – Third equal (nominated by Petty Officer Fiona Willington).
• Lance Corporal Blythe
Clearwater, 2/1 RNZIR has been awarded a
Commander 1 Brigade commendation for his work in training armourers from the Republic of Fiji Military
Forces. • Warrant Officer Class One
Carl Fairbairn has been appointed Defence Blacks manager. He will join the management team through until after the International
Defence Rugby Cup (IDRC) in late 2023. WO1
Fairbairn has a long history of involvement with rugby; playing, managing and administrating at various levels over the past 33 years, including assistant manager for the Defence
Blacks from 2019. He has extensive management qualifications and experience.
Postnatal Promotion
Recently at the Army Leadership Board, Chief of Army approved a policy change to support our postnatal service personnel. The current DFO (A) Vol 3 promotion policy is clear regarding the requirements for promotion, including medical and fitness standards. However, it was clear that this approach resulted in acting rank being awarded to postnatal officers and soldiers selected for substantive promotion until they met the medical and fitness criteria.
The Gender Inclusive Army team has instigated a number of projects to support our people and, when the extant promotion policy in DFO (A) Vol 3 was reviewed, the current policy did not support Army’s objectives in this area, nor was it line with the other services. As the CA can approve changes to the DFO (A) Vol 3, the promotion policy will be amended so that ‘’On confirmation of pregnancy, a Service member is to be graded as medically excused and remain exempt from fitness testing for the period to 13 months from the birth of the child. In such cases, the prior fitness standard will be considered current for the total duration of the exemption, allowing substantive promotion in that time providing all other requirements were met, including the recorded fitness and medical grades’’. This policy change will be included in the DFO (A) Vol 3 and demonstrates how Army can improve policy to support our people.
2020 Officers Pay Progression Model
In 2020 DACM conducted a Pay Progression Model (PPM) review which has resulted in a revised PPM for RF General List Army officers from 2LT–MAJ.
The review was prompted by the concern that not all RF General List officers hold the necessary RF qualifications for their current rank such as NZCC, GIII Level 2 and GII Level 2 and that some of the present sector, tier and step allocations are inconsistent with NZDF policy. Any officer affected by the review will be granted pay protection.
The revised PPM was focused on providing clarity around remuneration for the completion of the principal officer courses, establishing an internally consistent approach and ensuring alignment with policy guidance provided by the Directorate of Human Resources.
The new General List PPM provides a simple framework. Officers within the LT–MAJ bracket who have completed the principal all arms Level 2 courses for present rank are remunerated on Tier 2 (Sect A for LT and CAPT and Sect B for all MAJ). Those who have not completed the course, such as officers who have been granted waivers, not completed the course (i.e. only level 1) as well as some TF–RF transfers, are remunerated on Tier 1 within the same Sector. Officers on STRFE and Reserves will be remunerated IAW qualification rather than employment status. This removes separate rates of pay for officers on STRFE or contracts. The PPM is being applied by HRSC and will be actioned when the test pay runs are complete. If you are impacted by the changes DACM will inform you individually.
Resettlement Study Assistance
A member of the Regular Forces may be eligible for Resettlement Study Assistance (RSA) if they have no less than 16 years’ aggregate Regular Force service (excluding any Leave Without Pay periods greater than 91 days), for study or training, in a formally approved programme, to prepare them for a civilian occupation. RSA may be used for: • external education or training courses • NZDF courses • on the job training (no financial compensation from another employer is to be received during training), or • training at an applicant’s own property or in an entity which an applicant has any financial interest in (company, firm or franchise),
provided there is a formal, structured learning/training programme and there is no financial compensation received by the member during the training. An application for RSA should be submitted at least one month before the preferred commencement date. The approval authority for RSA is your CO or portfolio Head. DACM just requires a copy of the application form for your CPF. More detailed information on RSA is available on the HR Toolkit.
Command Notebooks
Recent changes to PDRs allow the regular recording of performance and development observations for CPL–WO1 and CAPT–COL, effectively replacing the Command Notebook, also known as Platoon Commander’s Notebook (PCNB) at these ranks. PCNBs are, however, still the Performance Management tool for PTE–LCPL and OCDT–LT and can be used for higher ranks if appropriate. DACM is increasingly receiving requests for advice on storage of PCNBs and is developing updated policy advice.
It should be noted that units continue to be responsible for managing their Regular Force and Reserve Force personnel’s Command Notebooks, ensuring that they are transferred when personnel are posted, even when they are no longer in regular use. If personnel are posted to a new unit immediately following a deployment, the unit clearance process should trigger the PCNB transfer process. If personnel are posted overseas (non-operational), the PCNB is to accompany them. Apart from one exception, DACM does not hold Reserve Force or Regular Force personnel’s PCNBs. DACM will hold any PCNBs for the Standby Reserve.
For more information and useful links on Army Personnel Files please visit the Army Career Management Intranet Site (through The Command Post page).
Key Dates
30 July 21 Staff List Board
13 August 21 Last day for 2021/2 OSB applications to DACM Last day for Kippenberger applications (Semester 1/2022) to DACM
More information
Army Career Management Intranet Site: http://orgs/sites/ armint/I-0001/ Contact us at: DACMRegistry@nzdf.mil.nz
NZDF SUMMER INTERNSHIPS 2021/22
Are you a serving Reservist about to complete your university studies or preparing for a break between semesters? Do you want to learn more about what the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) does in your area of study?
The NZDF Summer Reserve Force Internship Scheme (RIS) will provide selected NZDF Reservists with an internship at a NZDF base across New Zealand. Interns will be placed where their individual skills can best be used while the intern will be exposed to opportunities to further a military or civilian career with the NZDF.
At the end of the placement, applicants will receive a final report/reference from their Sponsor Branch. The report is detailed and covers Position Title, Position Description, Experience Gained, Task/Projects completed, Skills Acquired, Strengths Displayed and a general comment from the supervisor.
Eligibility Criteria
10 internships are available to current tertiary students who: a. are junior rank or junior officer Reservists from either the Navy, Army or Air Force, b. have completed more than two years’ undergraduate studies or are undertaking post-graduate studies, c. are available between 14 November 2021 to 18
February 2022 (individual start and finish dates are able to be negotiated to suit academic commitments), and, d. are not in paid full-time civilian employment.
Remuneration
Interns will be paid in accordance with DFO 7.3.36 Reserves Full Time Duties noting: e. Interns are not to work in excess of five days/40 hours per week but may attend additional duty activities at
Unit expense, f. All public holidays are unpaid as holiday pay is a component of Reserve daily pay, g. Interns are offered rations and quarters at the nearest military base to their place of employment at public expense. Packed lunches may be sourced through the mess but not subject to reimbursement if unavailable. h. Interns are offered a travel pass from their military accommodation to their place of work, if not located on a camp or base, and, i. Travel expenses to and from either university or home locations will be met by
NZDF at the beginning and end of the internship.
Administration
The Reserve Force Internship Scheme is managed by Defence Reserves, Youth and Sport (DRYS), 34 Bowen Street, HQNZDF, Wellington. For all queries please email reserves@nzdf.mil.nz.
Selection Criteria
Applicants from any academic discipline will be considered. 1. Security Clearance
Interns must have a NZDF (CV) security clearance prior to application. 2. Application Process a. Applications will be made available from 11 June 2021 by email request to reserves@nzdf.mil.nz b. Applications are to be endorsed and sent to reserves@nzdf.mil.nz by the applicant’s Chain of Command (OC/CO). Unit Commanders can endorse applications via email or by signature on the application form. c. Applications are to include: • Completed application form available from 11 June 2021 (by email request to reserves@ nzdf.mil.nz), • Covering letter, outlining why you would like to work at NZDF on a Reserve Internship, • CV – current, to include all academic, sporting and cultural achievements. d. Final day for applications: 27 August 2021.
Commendation for swift quake action
By Charlene Williamson
The actions and bravery of a Reserve soldier have been recognised 10 years on with a Chief of Army Commendation.
Former Private Paul Sanderson has received a commendation recently for his quick thinking and incredible first aid skills on 22 February 2011.
At the time he was a serving soldier in 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. He said receiving the commendation meant a great deal.
His citation said following the devastating earthquake on 22 February 2011 he reported to HMNZS Pegasus in the Central Christchurch City within an hour, ready to help as required.
“Private Sanderson quickly departed HMNZS Pegasus with a small team of six people dressed in combat uniform, with civilian helmets, water, gloves and a large pack containing medical equipment to assist and provide care to affected citizens of the quake,” the citation read.
Mr Sanderson said when he arrived in the vicinity of the CBD the process of clearing the streets of people and cordoning off the city had begun.
“As I made my way along Cashel Street there was no one except a lone construction worker and far in the distance a small team of firefighters. Broken buildings and collapsed facades littered the now unrecognisable street,” he said.
His citation said a police cordon prevented him from entering Cashel Street, however the cries of a construction worker demanding a medic prompted him to out- manoeuvre the cordon to make his way to the scene.
“Private Sanderson found an unconscious women, covered in a blanket (an indication she had been pronounced deceased earlier). He carried out first aid, aware of the risk to his own life from broken gas valves in the immediate vicinity and falling debris from continuous aftershocks.
“On completing his initial assessment, Private Sanderson believed he could hear some laboured breathing from her and felt a faint pulse. He continued to apply first aid, making the decision to shift her out of the collapsed building due to the danger of more falling debris from repeated aftershocks,” the citation read.
Mr Sanderson said at the time he thought he saw her foot move and could hear her laboured breathing.
“She was unconscious and in a bad way, but within no time this lady was on her way to Christchurch Hospital. “I remember that most people needed a little reassurance, and others a little encouragement. Some needed some instructions, while others only needed a chat,” he said.
He had previous experience with disasters having worked with the Thailand Red Cross following the tsunami in 2004, working with the International Victim Identification Teams and later the Thailand Institute of Forensic Science.
“These experiences better prepared me for my response to the Christchurch Earthquake,” said Mr Sanderson.
His citation said his actions on 22 February 2011 demonstrated several outstanding qualities that are worthy of recognition.
“Firstly, using his initiative in responding immediately to the earthquake, with the primary intent of entering the Central Business District to utilise his first aid knowledge and skills. Secondly, Private Sanderson put his own safety at risk by searching for casualties in a damaged city, with continuing aftershocks,” his citation read.
Commendation for 36 years of loyal service
Mr Andrew Rickerby has been awarded a Chief of Army Commendation for his contribution to various units at Burnham Military Camp for the past 36 years.
In particular, his time spent over the past 26 years as the store person and transport manager for the Reserve unit 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR).
Mr Rickerby has devoted over half of his life to 2/4 RNZIR in its various forms, but has also dedicated himself to the New Zealand Defence Force.
His citation said his devotion, dedication and commitment have, and continue to be, of the highest standard and service. “Mr Rickerby is diligent and methodical in his organisation, planning and support for training activities within the unit which ensures the soldiers, and unit, are well-prepared for their training events,” his citation read.
Mr Rickerby has consistently displayed over a considerable period of time the values of Tū Tika (commitment) and Tū Tira (comradeship).
A FLESH ALTERNATIVE – SYNTHETICS DEVELOPED FOR AMMUNITION TESTING
Whether you’re firing bullets or (unfortunately) on the receiving end of them, knowing the effect of their impact is critical, writes Amy Pullen and Major David Kieser of the Defence Technology Agency (DTA). It’s critical for a number of reasons; ensuring your protective equipment is up to the job, and knowing whether the ammunition you’re firing is effective against a threat.
Historically, ammunition testing has been undertaken using ballistic gelatine, the closest thing to human tissue, along with porcine (pig) thigh suspended within the gelatine. The gelatine allows researchers to see exactly how the bullet behaves on impact and where & how energy is released as the projectile moves through the gelatine model. This is done using high-speed cameras, followed by a detailed analysis of the footage. “We have all the equipment we need to record a bullet’s path through gelatine, but we now need to make our test model more anatomically correct for testing.”
The DTA, in conjunction with the University of Otago, have recently developed a new product which includes a synthetic alternative for not only tissue, but also skin, ribs, and lungs. The components of the thorax injury model include synthetic bone as the rib simulant SYNBONE®, a synthetic skin, and a jumbo car sponge which simulates the lung. The synthetic materials have all been compared and validated against porcine ribs and post-mortem human study data for the skin.
The development of the thorax model and ongoing ballistics research by DTA will allow for a better understanding of injuries and effects likely to be caused by both in-service and threat ammunition. It will also help inform decisions on replacement weapons and the ammunition they will use.
Thorax model
Thorax model as ammunition enters and exits.
LSV
TURNING LIVES AROUND
By Simone Millar
Substance abuse, poor mental health, poverty of experience and a lack of life skills are just some of the barriers facing young people trying to find employment.
But over the past three decades, the Limited Service Volunteers (LSV) Programme has helped turn young people’s lives around.
This six-week residential course supports 18 to 24 year-olds who are at risk of long-term unemployment, and recent graduates are already reaping the benefits.
Bay of Islands local (Motatau), Trainee Renee Cooper-Paraha, ended up on the unemployment benefit as a result of Covid-19 last year.
“Before last year I was studying at university, then Covid hit and I failed the course. I got really embarrassed and didn’t go back. So I thought I can either do six weeks of something or six weeks of the same old nothing.”
And it’s paid off, with what Trainee Cooper-Paraha calls a ‘real job’.
“While I was on the course I got a job offer from the expo that was held here on base. I’m going to work at Auckland DHB as an Optometry Technician. It’s a real job.”
The LSV course offers young people life and employment skills, social skills, values, training and nurturing confidence. Wraparound services are also on-site at the Youth Development Unit, such as social workers, police mentors, registered nurses, trained Youth Development Specialists and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
Trainee Astra Brill was unemployed in her home town of Te Awamutu but she’s experienced the benefits of having support.
“I wasn’t really doing much. I wasn’t being proactive. I had been unemployed for nearly four months, so I was like what else am I going to do?” she says.
“The course has kind of built a foundation for me. I didn’t realise how many opportunities there were for me here. And just the way the experience can change your wellbeing.” “I’ve applied for a job within the contact centre at the MSD. The staff from MSD here are so amazing. They’ve helped me with my application and interview tips. I’d like to come and work here. I really, really love it here, it’s my second home.” Part of the success of the programme comes down to a structured military environment, being drug and alcohol free with a focus on fitness and nutrition.
Corporal Jordon Waerea leads the trainees’ physical training. He says the trainees often start the course with a low level of physical ability, but by the end of the course there is a huge improvement not only physically, but mentally as well.
“The physical training includes cardio, strengthening, respiratory and muscular endurance. The fitness improvement is outstanding. It’s ten-fold,” says CPL Waerea.
“The trainees also take part in physical challenges such as a sandbagging scenario, fire hose run, a six kilometre cross-country run and a 10 kilometre orienteering course,” he says.
With their military-styled graduation parade approaching, both Trainee Cooper-Paraha and Trainee Brill, look back on their six-week experience with pride and gratitude.
“From then until now I’ve definitely changed. Now I can bring out myself and it’s OK,” says Trainee Brill.
“We got our brand new caps yesterday and I cried. I felt like such a whole new person. I’ve made so much progress on this course. I was scared I might not be strong enough to finish the course, but as soon as I put that cap on, I was on top of the world,” says Trainee Cooper-Paraha.
Both graduates will receive continuing support from the Future Leaders programme, which has supported more than 650 youth since 2014, and continually achieves more than 80 per cent sustainable career outcomes for our rangatahi.
The Limited Service Volunteer programme is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and delivered by the New Zealand Defence Force Youth Development Unit.
Next month: a trainee’s poem
A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS
A small British boy, double amputee Tony Hudgell is one happy lad following the efforts of a Feilding man, the NZDF and Brigadier Lofty Hayward.
The New Zealand Defence Adviser in the United Kingdom, Brigadier Lofty Hayward accompanied by Major Rik Moore visited Kent to deliver a box of gifts to six-year-old Tony recently.
During the first Covid-19 lockdown in the UK in 2020 Tony, then aged five, became inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, then aged 99. Captain Sir Tom Moore spent the first lockdown walking around his garden with his walker to raise money for NHS Charities. With this inspiration Tony wanted to do his own challenge, and he walked a total of 10km and raised £1.5million for the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London. Recently Tony has completed the Captain Tom 100 challenge walking 100 steps without his crutches to raise more money for the Evelina Children’s Hospital.
Masterton local Mr Alan Fielding saw the news story about Tony and his efforts in raising money for the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London, and became inspired by his courage and determination. After viewing the story Mr Fielding decided to send Tony a box of gifts from New Zealand.
The Office of the Minister of Defence and New Zealand Defence Force worked together to facilitate the delivery of the gifts, first to the UK, and then to Tony. The gifts were received at the office of the New Zealand Defence Staff earlier this year, but due to Covid restrictions on households mixing were unable to be delivered until the restrictions began to ease in May.
Tony’s parents, Paula and Mark, did not tell Tony ahead of time about the gifts, leaving it to Brigadier Hayward to provide the background and the details of Mr Fielding and his generosity.
Among the gifts was a cushion with a large printed Kiwi on and small lights that lit up to replicate stars. This cushion was a favourite of Tony’s and he couldn’t wait to put it on his bed, he was also taken with a small penguin soft toy that made a noise when squeezed.
Other gifts sent by Mr Fielding included a range of New Zealand food, a map, two flags (one New Zealand flag and one Confederation of Māori Tribes flag), along with other New Zealand items. Having read of Tony’s growing interest in military history Mr Fielding included some items of military memorabilia, including items donated by the National Army Museum in Waiouru. However, the main items of memorabilia were two WWI Army hats, one an Australian Slouch Hat adorned with an Emu Feather, and the other an iconic New Zealand Lemon Squeezer. Tony was quite taken with the hats, trying them on and posing for photos wearing them. Much to the consternation of the Kiwis present Tony was more taken with the Australian hat than the New Zealand Lemon Squeezer!
Paula and Mark Hudgell were appreciative of the gifts, and are planning to write to Mr Fielding to thank him for his generosity towards Tony.
BRIG Hayward said it was a privilege to meet Tony.
“He’s a strong-willed little boy who is clearly thriving in a loving and caring family environment. I am in awe of his determination to do something meaningful for others – he’s clearly been inspired by the late Sir Tom Moore’s efforts during the height of the UK’s Covid experience. I must also acknowledge the Kiwi whose idea it was to do this. Alan Fielding’s generosity and thoughtfulness to reach out to someone on the other side of the world says a lot about the power of positive thought regardless of distance. His simple act of kindness touched the Hudgell family in an incredibly meaningful way. We (NZDS-L) were glad Defence staff in London could help.”
Alan Fielding
Tony Hudgell with his parents Paula and Mark, and Brigadier Lofty Hayward
Three soldiers of 16 Railway Company pose in front of the minefield near Minqar Quaim, Syria. Nurse Nancy White, from Feilding, attends to a patient with a leg injury.
NEW ZEALAND’S WAR THROUGH THE LENS OF THOSE WHO SERVED
The Front Line, Images of New Zealanders in the Second World War is a collection of more than 800 photographs chosen by military historian Glyn Harper to represent every battle and theatre in which New Zealanders fought in WWII.
Many of them are live-action shots, and most haven’t been published before. The home front is also represented and the vital part it played in New Zealand’s contribution to the Allied war effort. Army News has a copy of The Front Line to give away.
To be in the draw send your details to armynews@nzdf.mil.nz with Front Line in the subject line, or send an envelope to Army News, Private Bag 39997, Wellington Mail Centre, Wellington with your contact details on the back.
Smiles all round from a group of New Zealand gunners at Nofilia in Libya in 1942. The war is finally going well and Christmas dinner is imminent.
